British retailer Charterhouse Aquatics is now 3D printing its reef aquarium products, boasting over 40 items in its collection. These products, made from reef-safe PETG plastic, range from frag racks, media baskets, to CO2 scrubbing collars.
Notably, their frag racks are available in various sizes and styles, with or without plug grips. A standout product is the Aqua Thaw Frozen Food Defroster, which cleverly integrates features of a pepper grinder and a surface skimmer, allowing users to adjust the water inlet and dispense rate.
Fluval Evo nano reef enthusiasts can now access a comprehensive range of after-market 3D printed media baskets. Additionally, Charterhouse has crafted accessories like Radion light shades, ATO pump stands, and a stand for Maxspect Nano Tech Bio Blocks and Bio Spheres.
While traditional plastic manufacturing remains crucial in the aquarium sector, 3D printing is carving its space, especially in businesses like Charterhouse Aquatics. The technology’s efficiency is evident in its ability to conceive, print, and deliver a product within a week.
As 3D printing continues to evolve, we can expect its influence to expand, potentially reshaping the dynamics of manufacturing in niche markets such as the aquarium industry where organic forms such as those found in corals are easily created with AM technologies.
Source: reefbuilders.com
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